Exploring the higher-order QED effects on the differential distributions of Breit-Wheeler process in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

TL;DR

This paper investigates how higher-order QED effects influence differential distributions in the Breit-Wheeler process during relativistic heavy-ion collisions, aiming to identify observable signatures for future experimental detection.

Contribution

It explores the sensitivity of differential observables to higher-order QED effects, providing guidance for future experiments to detect these subtle quantum corrections.

Findings

Differential observables show increased sensitivity to higher-order QED effects.

Total cross-section measurements alone are insufficient to confirm higher-order corrections.

Guidelines are proposed for experimental measurements to detect higher-order QED effects.

Abstract

Extensive studies have been conducted in the past few decades to investigate potential signatures of higher-order QED effects in high-energy electromagnetic scattering processes. In our previous work, we have identified evidence of higher-order corrections in the total cross-section for the Breit-Wheeler process in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. However, the presence of higher-order QED corrections cannot be unambiguously proven solely based on total cross-section measurements due to substantial experimental and theoretical uncertainties. The objective of this paper is to explore the sensitivity of specific differential observables in the Breit-Wheeler process to higher-order QED effects in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. These investigations will provide guidance in determining the presence or absence of higher-order QED processes by conducting precise measurements in future experiments.